About ADRA PNG

Early Beginnings (1986–1990): The term “ADRA PNG” was first used in 1986 when ADRA supported water conservation projects in Papua New Guinea. Early initiatives took place in the Markham Valley, New Britain, and Bougainville.

Establishment and First Projects (1991–1994): ADRA PNG officially commenced work in 1991 under George Porter and Warren May, focusing on water projects and infrastructure for Adventist institutions. These early projects, supported by ADRA Australia, led to the formal establishment of ADRA PNG in 1994, with Peter Gwynne as the first country director.

Expansion in Morobe Province (1996–2000): Under country director Royden Howie, ADRA PNG focused activities in Morobe Province. Programs included water supply projects, HIV/AIDS awareness, peer education, adult literacy, small enterprise development, drought and tsunami response, and health education. Local leadership also expanded during this period.

National Growth and Recognition (2001–2005): With Michelle Abel as country director, ADRA PNG gained national visibility and launched a website. Programs expanded into literacy, economic development, HIV/AIDS services, and water and sanitation. The AusAID-funded Church Partnership Program began, and by 2005 ADRA PNG had 85 staff and over 700 volunteers, running the country’s largest water and sanitation program.

Strengthening Programs (2006–2009): Led by Dr. Raul Schneider, ADRA PNG secured EU funding for water and sanitation, expanded literacy and HIV/AIDS programs, and built partnerships through the Church Partnership Program.

Rural Development and Agriculture (2010–2012): Under Dr. Haroldo Cairo, ADRA PNG advanced rural water and sanitation projects, small enterprise development, and agricultural initiatives. The second phase of the Church Partnership Program was launched with strong donor support.

Innovation and National Policy Impact (2012–2015): Country director Jasmine Simyunn expanded ADRA PNG’s scope to disaster risk reduction, social enterprise, governance, and youth employment in Bougainville. ADRA PNG influenced national literacy policy and deepened ties with Adventist institutions.

Strategic Partnerships and Broader Programs (2016–2019): Led by Nitin Pappachen, ADRA PNG entered partnerships with the PNG government, DFAT, ADRA Australia, and other NGOs. Programs expanded to early childhood education, TB, HIV, lifestyle health, rural electrification, innovative agriculture, and water and sanitation.

Recent Impact (2018–Present): ADRA PNG continues to respond to national emergencies, including the 2018 Southern Highlands earthquake. Current priorities include community empowerment, gender-based violence prevention, and the country’s first Adventist safe house, opened in 2019.